Drivers warned to keep within speed limits

Kevin McRoberts

A week-long campaign to tackle speeding has been launched today (Monday) by Police Scotland.

Officers are urging drivers to consider their speed – and are reminding them that keeping to speed limits could help save lives.

As well as enforcing speed limits, officers will taking the opportunity to talk to drivers and other road users – particularly those from vulnerable groups, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists – to make sure they understand and are aware of the inherent dangers associated with speeding and driving at inappropriate speeds.

“Communities across the country continually tell us that road safety and speeding are issues of concern for them. That is why reducing road casualties and fatalities remains one of our top policing priorities.

“Vulnerable road users accounted for nearly half (95) of all road fatalities in 2014 and a further 3348 suffered injury.

“We want people to realise the potentially devastating effects their driving can have on others.”

He warned drivers to stay within speed limits – which he stressed were there for a reason – but also urged them to drive according to the road and weather conditions, adjusting speed accordingly, if it is wet, foggy or the sun is low for example.

Chief Supt Edmonston added: “We are committed to achieving the Scottish Government’s 2020 casualty reduction targets. By driving at an appropriate speed and being aware of road conditions, you can help us reduce the number of casualties on Scotland’s roads and make the roads safer.”